Fallin notes city’s retail development

Friday

During her visit to Bartlesville Thursday, Gov. Mary Fallin was complimentary regarding the new opportunities and continued economic development of multiple projects across the city.

During her visit to Bartlesville Thursday, Gov. Mary Fallin was complimentary regarding the new opportunities and continued economic development of multiple projects across the city.

Fallin was the featured speaker at the Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce’s Forum at the Bartlesville Community Center. In her remarks, Fallin said new developments across the cityscape are putting a focus on Bartlesville, even in light of the economic downturn in the prevalent oil and energy sector that dominates Bartlesville business.

"There are some good things going on, especially in Bartlesville," Fallin said. "I read where you have a multimillion-dollar new retail and real estate development, the Silver Lake Village, and that is exciting. Congratulations to your industrial development authority for working on that. I know you are always interested in new retail and businesses in your community. That’s important."

According to Fallin, not only is the new $20 million investment in new retail and residential housing along Adams Boulevard and Silver Lake Road showing how resilient Bartlesville is, but the continued reinvestment in the downtown area is contributing to prominent developments as well.

"You are attracting lots of new dollars and investment. I have been through your downtown area, especially your historic buildings," Fallin said. "I appreciate the fact that you continue to work on your downtown, your storefronts and offices. That is really important when attracting new business to Bartlesville and improving your quality of life."

Bartlesville is a shining example of diversification in economy that the rest of the state could learn from, Fallin said. She also encouraged residents to remain active in talking to lawmakers and leaders at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City to show what Bartlesville has been able to accomplish in light of falling oil prices.

"It is very important that you do stay engaged at the Capitol and talk to your legislators about problems and issues and things that you would like to see done in the State of Oklahoma," Fallin said. "We need to continue to make Bartlesville and other cities a great place to live, work and raise a family."

Oklahoma is facing a tough challenge statewide, Fallin said. Projections are indicating that the state will have at least a $1.3 billion shortfall because of the decline in the energy sector and other causes. Fallin said Oklahomans have been here before and that tough choices will have to be made to balance the budget.

"We are facing some very significant budget challenges this year. The energy slump has lasted longer than anyone anticipated, and we will get through this," Fallin said. ""My job is to make sure we are doing everything we can to be business friendly, to allow them to be successful and create jobs."

Fallin credited the leadership of two Bartlesville legislators to help guide the state through this tough time. Rep. Earl Sears, R-Bartlesville, is the chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. Fallin said she has been working with him throughout this budget crisis.

"I have a great opportunity of working with all of your legislators," Fallin said. "I meet with Chairman Sears four or five times a month, maybe even more depending on the time of year… I’ve worked with him for many years, and he has a tough job, but he is dedicated."

Another challenge the state faces is the crisis in public education, Fallin said. Teacher shortages and funding are top priorities for her administration. Fallin said she admires Sen. John Ford, R-Bartlesville, who chairs the Senate Education Committee for continuing the fight for Oklahoma schoolchildren.

"Chairman Ford of the Education Committee does a great job, too," Fallin said. "He has a tough job, especially with the problems in education. He always standing up and fighting for improving education and funding education. We appreciate him."

Fallin acknowledged that Ford and her differ on some issues, including school district consolidation. Ford has agreed not to hear any consolidation bills in the Senate Education Committee this year. Ford said after careful consideration and thoughtful conversation with parents and school leaders, now is not the time to merge districts until the issue can be further analyzed.

In her State of the State address earlier this month, Fallin pushed for consolidating dependent school district administration functions with larger independent districts. She emphasized that her plan would not close schools, but would instead save money for education by combining the administrative functions. One Senate bill dealing with consolidation survived, after being moved to another Senate committee.

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